California governor signs dam-safety bill prompted by crisis

AB1270 was written by Assemblyman James Gallagher of Yuba City, who was among the people forced to flee when both the main and emergency spillways experienced catastrophic damage. Engineers feared the uncontrolled release of a millions of gallons of water. The crisis was averted.

Author:
Associated Press

Published:
12:09 PM PST February 26, 2018

Updated:
12:09 PM PST February 26, 2018

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation that seeks to beef up dam inspections following a near disaster that caused the evacuation of almost 200,000 people living downstream from the tallest U.S. dam.

The measure signed Monday implements several recommendations from experts who reviewed the crisis at Oroville Dam last year.

It sets standards for inspections and requires periodic review of dams' original design and construction records. It also requires inspectors to consult periodically with independent experts and makes inspection reports public.

AB1270 was written by Assemblyman James Gallagher of Yuba City, who was among the people forced to flee when both the main and emergency spillways experienced catastrophic damage. Engineers feared the uncontrolled release of a millions of gallons of water. The crisis was averted.

A look at the Lake Oroville flood control spillway one year later

Rocks are cleaned with compressed air and water near the energy dissipator blocks in preparation for the placement of an access road just below the Lake Oroville flood control spillway in Butte County, California. Photo taken February 20, 2018.

01 / 04

Rocks are cleaned with compressed air and water near the energy dissipator blocks in preparation for the placement of an access road just below the Lake Oroville flood control spillway in Butte County, California. Photo taken February 20, 2018.